Fullerton, Ca – The City of Fullerton is happy to announce the hiring of a new Chief of Police. During the January 15, City Council meeting, Captain Dan Hughes was appointed Chief of Police in a unanimous 5-0 vote. Hughes had been the Acting-Chief the past year.

Fullerton City Manager, Joe Felz commented, “I named Captain Dan Hughes as Acting Chief of Police in January 2012, and since that time he has brought much needed leadership and stability to our City. I am proud of the work of Chief Hughes, and his appointment by the City Council recognizes his tremendous talents and leadership.”

“The decision by the City Council means that the Department can now move forward,” commented Hughes. “I am humbled by the support I’ve received from the community, the City and the men and women of our Police Department,” He added, “We have a wonderful Police Department, but it has been a department that has lacked direction without a permanent Chief”.

Hughes is a 28-year veteran of the Fullerton Police Department; a “hometown boy” having been born and raised in Fullerton, where he attended Wilshire Junior High School and Sunny Hills High School. Hughes joined the Fullerton Police Department as a Cadet in 1983, and became and Officer in 1985. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1996, lieutenant in 2006, patrol division Captain in 2010 and then Acting Chief in January 2012.

Hughes holds an Associate of Science degree in criminal justice from Fullerton College, and both a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational studies and a Master of Science degree in emergency services administration from California State University of Long Beach.

Hughes is also a graduate of the Supervisory Leadership Institute and the International Association of Chiefs of Police leadership course “Leadership in Police Organizations.” In addition, Hughes is a graduate of Command College, which is an 18-month leadership and futures-oriented course designed for management in law enforcement. He was awarded the Hank Koehn Award for being the most inspirational student.

Hughes serves on the board of directors of the Fullerton Boy’s and Girl’s Club, and is a member of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Fullerton Steering Committee, as well as the Fullerton Downtown Business Association and the Fullerton Downtown Working Group.

Hughes and his wife, Kimberly, reside in Yorba Linda. They have three children- Christina, Austin and Grant. He is a member of the Yorba Linda Friends Church and is active in youth sports.